breastfeeding

The past week has been a bit trying for me. I have a 1 month old son in addition to two toddlers. Sure, that's usually enough for any mom to admit to a "trying" week. However, what I have noticed in my newborn is something I had hoped against hope that I wouldn't see, namely, reactions to dairy and egg products in my diet. Because breast milk is the best food for my baby, I'm totally committed to nursing him for at least the first year. Given my "experiments" for the past week, it probably means my coffee will be cream-free for the next 11 months.

A little over a week ago, my son started crying ALL the time. Now I know that most of the time with a newborn it seems like they are either sleeping or crying. In his case, he was crying and spitting up like you would not believe. I started eliminating things from my diet. Peppers and caffeine were the first to go. I think it helped a little, but he still kept spewing. Next, went chocolate. Since our family does not eat many eggs, it was very obvious he reacted to the Caesar dressing I had eaten - eggs were out. I waited a while before taking anything else out hoping that milk could stay. You see, though I realize that there are some strong opinions about whether or not dairy products are a necessary part of our diets, the bottom line for me is: I like milk. I love cheese. A cup of coffee without creamer is missing something. Don't even get me started on ice cream. However, after I had eaten a meal consisting cheese-stuffed pasta shells, I knew that milk was going to be shelved.

Since I have cut out the dairy and cheese the difference in my son is amazing. He still spits up a little, but it is nothing compared to the flow from last week. He seems much happier and is even starting to smile a little. The decision to tweak my diet isn't really that much of a sacrifice. Since we're already adjusted to having one allergic person in the house, it won't be hard for me to eat the same things I feed her. Keeping my baby on breast milk is so good for him, I'm happy to do it, even if I was a little disappointed at first.

If you are wondering if you are seeing some signs of allergies in your breastfed baby, kellymom has a great article which sums up many of the potential signs of food allergy. Recently the American Association of Pediatrics published an article in its official journal detailing how the AAP is changing its position on the best ways to prevent food allergies in children. Bottom line? Breastfeed. (You're welcome to read the entire clinical report from AAP, but if you'd rather get the quick and easy version, CNN published a much more readable summary of the article.)

Changing my diet gives me fresh incentive for finding some new allergen-free recipes and making our spring and summer menu. Menu planning has been one of the best helps I've found for saving money and dealing with allergies in the kitchen.